Senior Trust Accountant

Crowell & Moring LLP is an international law firm with offices in the United States, Europe, MENA, and Asia that represents clients in litigation and arbitration, regulatory and policy, intellectual property, and transactional and corporate matters. The firm is internationally recognized for its representation of Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes litigation and government-facing matters, as well as its ongoing commitment to pro bono service and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Job Summary

The Senior Trust Accountant manages the client trust function in compliance with individual state IOLTA rules and the firm’s own accounting and risk management procedures. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of trust accounting including complex reconciliations and process improvement initiatives.  The Trust Accountant works closely with Finance leadership and internal stakeholders to ensure that highly sensitive client money is handled, accounted for and reported accurately.  The role requires a deep understanding of trust accounting principles, a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues and the ability to advise and mentor other team members.

Job Responsibilities

• Oversee daily receipts into firm trust accounts and ensure deposits are in compliance with state IOLTA rules and firm guidelines.
• Manage workflow for high volume of trust disbursements to clients: track approvals, collect/review supporting documents, and ensure payments are issued accurately and on time.
• Analyze trust account activity and prepare financial schedules and reports for Finance leadership.
• Lead process improvement efforts to optimize trust accounting operations including the automation of routine tasks and implementation of best practices.
• Serve as Trust subject matter resource; maintain up to date knowledge of individual state IOLTA rules and applicability to routine law firm trust transactions; advise finance leadership on compliance and operational issues.
• Proactively communicate with partners, attorneys, and finance leadership to action or return residual trust balances and prevent unnecessary aging.
• Escalate compliance concerns to finance leadership and general counsel
• Record transactions according to firm and trust accounting best practices and procedures.
• Prepare and review trust account reconciliations including reconciling trust bank accounts to trust ledger and general ledger.  Research and review reconciling items,
• Mentor and provide guidance to accounting staff and Claims Recovery team on trust accounting procedures.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of client trust concepts, accounting principles and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to think critically and to appropriately challenge requests that may fall afoul of firm risk management guidelines.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and drive process improvement including optimization of trust accounting operations.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work in a dynamic and complex environment to meet deadlines and daily requirements.
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality while working with client data.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize and maintain attention to detail under tight deadlines.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including use of functions and pivot tables, and other Microsoft Office applications.

Education

A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Experience

The position requires a minimum of four (4) years of law firm accounting or billing experience and prior trust accounting experience.

Crowell & Moring LLP offers a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package. Our benefits include healthcare, vision, dental, retirement, and all-purpose leave and progressive options such as back up childcare, wellness programs, cultural events and social activities. We take great pride in our positive, friendly culture that rewards hard work and success, at the same time recognizing the importance of family and community service.

Our Firm is committed to fair and equitable compensation practice in accordance with applicable laws. The salary range for this position is $91,000-$119,000. Additional compensation may include a discretionary bonus. The salary for this position may vary based on location, market data, an applicant’s skills and prior experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other factors.

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